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Notifying schools of a system error

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 5:47 pm
by PhysicsOutkast
So, I just went and checked my application status at a school that will remain nameless. There's an area that allows you to upload documents like your SOP and what not. I keep getting reminders from other schools that stuff is being processed but this one doesn't send reminders so I went to check to make sure it was actually uploaded. When I got there I noticed a new file was present that I didn't upload which turned out to be one of my recommendations. I didn't read it, I agreed to full confidentiality and I'd rather keep my integrity than break that agreement to see. However, I am wondering something. I sent the school an email notifying them that the system had made an error, stating that I haven't read it and I haven't, and that to protect the integrity of the process and my own something should be done immediately. However, considering that the process has been compromised what will happen to my letter now? I can't imagine they'll make me get another one. I didn't know before and still don't know what he wrote, should I expect that letter to now be treated will less regard? I expect it to be one of my best letters. I just don't want their system error to come back and bite me. I guess a smart person just wouldn't notify them of the error, but it didn't seem right.

Re: Notifying schools of a system error

Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2011 7:25 pm
by bfollinprm
PhysicsOutkast wrote:So, I just went and checked my application status at a school that will remain nameless. There's an area that allows you to upload documents like your SOP and what not. I keep getting reminders from other schools that stuff is being processed but this one doesn't send reminders so I went to check to make sure it was actually uploaded. When I got there I noticed a new file was present that I didn't upload which turned out to be one of my recommendations. I didn't read it, I agreed to full confidentiality and I'd rather keep my integrity than break that agreement to see. However, I am wondering something. I sent the school an email notifying them that the system had made an error, stating that I haven't read it and I haven't, and that to protect the integrity of the process and my own something should be done immediately. However, considering that the process has been compromised what will happen to my letter now? I can't imagine they'll make me get another one. I didn't know before and still don't know what he wrote, should I expect that letter to now be treated will less regard? I expect it to be one of my best letters. I just don't want their system error to come back and bite me. I guess a smart person just wouldn't notify them of the error, but it didn't seem right.
Why would the department care? You and your recommender didn't know ahead of time (when the letter was written) that it was leaked, so why should it affect what the letter says that they made a system or clerical error? The only negative here belongs to the institution and the recommendation writer; if he/she wanted, she can sue the university for breaching the confidentiality agreement.